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A Vaccine to Prevent Egg Layer Peritonitis in Chickens
Graham J M Cox1, Brieanna Griffith2, Maryke Reed2
1Epitopix, LLC, Willmar, MN 56201, Graham.Cox@Vaxxinova.com.
Avian Diseases
|August 2, 2021
Summary
A new chicken model for avian pathogenic Escherichia coli (APEC) peritonitis was developed and used to test a vaccine. The siderophore receptor and porin proteins (SRP) APEC vaccine demonstrated complete protection against mortality and significant reduction in disease.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary immunology
- Avian pathology
- Bacterial disease modeling
Background:
- Avian pathogenic Escherichia coli (APEC) causes significant economic losses in commercial poultry operations due to peritonitis.
- A reliable chicken model is crucial for evaluating vaccine efficacy against APEC.
- Existing models may not fully replicate field conditions or consistently induce characteristic pathologies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate a chicken model for APEC peritonitis.
- To assess the effectiveness of a novel siderophore receptor and porin proteins (SRP) APEC vaccine using the established model.
- To determine optimal parameters for vaccine administration and challenge in the chicken model.
Main Methods:
- Pilot studies involving specific-pathogen-free white leghorn chickens to compare E. coli serotypes (O1, O2, O78), challenge routes (intravenous, intravaginal, intratracheal, intraperitoneal), and inoculum doses.
- Daily monitoring of mortality and morbidity, with necropsy to assess gross lesions and bacterial colonization.
- Vaccination/challenge studies examining chicken age, vaccination intervals, and time between vaccination and challenge.
Main Results:
- The intraperitoneal route with the O78 serotype successfully replicated APEC peritonitis pathologies consistent with field observations.
- The SRP APEC vaccine demonstrated dramatic effectiveness, providing complete protection against mortality and substantial reduction in tissue colonization and pathology.
- Rapid onset of immunity and sustained protection (over 3 months) were observed across various vaccination schedules and chicken ages.
Conclusions:
- The developed chicken model accurately mimics APEC peritonitis, enabling robust vaccine evaluation.
- The SRP APEC vaccine is highly effective in protecting chickens against APEC-induced mortality, colonization, and pathology.
- The vaccine offers flexible application for both young and mature chickens in commercial settings.
